October 7, 2010 — In addition to this week's NewsBreaks article and the monthly NewsLink Spotlight, Information Today, Inc. (ITI) offers Weekly News Digests that feature recent product news and company announcements. Watch for additional coverage to appear in the next print issue of Information Today. For other up-to-the-minute news, check out ITIís Twitter account: @ITINewsBreaks.

Sony announced the inaugural participants in its Reader Library Program. There are 30 participating libraries in 17 states, including the Brooklyn Public Library, San Diego County Library, Omaha Public Library, and the Denver Public Library. The program, which will be rolled out over the upcoming weeks, will provide participating libraries with in-house training on digital reading devices, educational materials to help librarians and patrons learn more about ebooks, and digital reading devices for library staff use and patron demonstrations.

Components of the Reader Library Program include:

An in-house training session for participating library staff developed by Sony. This in-person session, will cover digital reading formats, an overview of sources for digital materials, and training on Sony’s Reader digital reading devices.

Bi-annual update sessions designed to keep participating libraries and their staff current with latest developments in digital reading content, format, and devices.

All of the libraries are members of the OverDrive network, a distribution network of 11,000 libraries worldwide. To find a library near you that offers ebooks, go to sonysearch.overdrive.com.

Sony is also providing digital reading assistance to libraries beyond the inaugural participants in the Reader Library Program. Libraries not currently participating will have access to further program information, details on applying for it, free ebook training videos, and printable collateral for them to use in educating their patrons at www.sony.com/libraryprogram. Libraries with additional questions regarding the program can contact program managers at libraryprogram@am.sony.com.